Imogene “Gene” Cheek

Imogene "Gene" Roush Cheek passed away peacefully at her home in Essex on the morning of September 14th 2025. In her final days, she was surrounded by family- her beloved daughter Sandy and her son-in-law Steve as well as her two grandsons Alex and Shaun. Gene lived life to its fullest along with her husband Lou Cheek who she traveled the world with. The pair enjoyed world cruises on the Queen Elizabeth II and made it to 52 countries spanning 6 continents before their final cruise in 2006. After Lou passed in 2013, Gene stayed active and spent as much time with family as possible. She could often be found watching golf which she had taken to in her later years- she was a big Rory McIlroy fan. Gene also loved to cook, admiring Julia Child and enjoying classical French cooking, but she also had a soft spot in her heart for midwest comforts like Coney dogs. On their world cruises, she could sometimes be found sneaking off to the hot dog cart in place of an extravagant meal.

In the early 2000s, Gene and her husband Lou moved to Vermont to be close to their grandsons, but Gene's heart was always in Cincinnati where she spent much of her adult life. Gene didn't grow up with much in her hometown of Gallipolis, so she learned to sew and became an excellent seamstress. She would often put her sewing skills to use making clothes for her daughter Sandy or pillows, tablecloths, and curtains for the house. After a call for nurses came following World War II, Gene became a registered nurse in Cincinnati where she worked until shortly before the birth of her daughter Sandy.

In accordance with Gene's wishes, no public service will be held but we'd invite you to listen to some of Gene's favorite musicians in her remembrance. Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson were some of her favorites and brought light and comfort to Gene even during her final days. Gene is survived by her sister Wilma Brown of Gallipolis, her daughter Sandy Morris and son-in-law Steve Morris, her grandson Shaun Morris, and her grandson and granddaughter-in-law Alex and Paige Morris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Vermont. Gene will be missed, but her life will always be celebrated by her family and those closest to her.